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It’s been awhile since I posted a weblog and this is a return to fulfill a desire to blog more often. Today I decided to write about “restarting”, in this case, it’s about my return to teaching myself how to code.

Like many things, picking up something, learning something out of sheer excitement and desire is often very easy in the beginning. It’s not until you encounter obstacles (of any sort) that you learn just how mnuch you really want to accomplish what it is you’ve set out to achieve. I can directly relate to this from my experience in working out/maintaining a physical fitness regimen. For me, it began with working out in the gym. It came easy and I was able to achieve satisfactory results as long as I maintained a regular habit of doing things. As often happens, life situations may prohibit those habitual activities for a day or two, which may turn into a week, then maybe months, even a year or more. The key is to sometimes force yourself to get back in the saddle and reinstate those habits that were netting you the results you were hopping for.

I draw this direct correlation to coding. I took my first programming courses a very LONG time ago in college, but did well in both – to the point that even took the skills I learned and coded simple programs to help me complete duties that were given to me as a young engineer. Coding and programming wasn’t a regular hobby for me, so I didn’t do much of it for years to come. That said, since my last go at coding, things have changed a GREAT deal, and in 2013, I felt it was time for me to ride that wave again and take advantage to explore all that was new in programming languages and what they can do, not only in the professional workforce arenas, but from a hobbyist standppoint. After all, I did well in coding way back then, I know I can do well in it again. In addition, the approaches to learning coding on your own today gives far greater flexibility than having to be confined to a formal classroom setting.

So there I was, back in 2013, after some research, finding myself on Codecademy to learn Python, a scxripting language that I dound was very relevant in my field of work as well as for programs I want to code for my own personal use. Python is a scripting language that is widely used in areas like software testing (spaecraft software, etc) and has wide ranging use in other scientific and technical fields. Along with Python, there is a long list of other languages (high and low level) that are suited for various things that I found I’d like to learn as well, such as Java, Javascript, Ruby, CSS, Hadoop, Linux, and this goes on….and on…and on.

In my net travels, I ended up subscribing to adn.net (The Application Developer’s Network), a network much like Twitter, originally created for developers to forge relationships and discuss softeare development, but has turned into a nice social network as well. It was while I got to build me followers list that I met a programmer there by the username bayprogrammer who became very helpful and unselfish in sharing all he could about the nuts and bolts of coding with respect to the major (and minor) languages out there and what they are best used for. I’ll take a moment to thank him for investing the time he took to share the knowledge (and he continues to) with me.

So, here I am, starting again at a place where I got stumped. The difference is I know that if a push is not made, the achievement won’t be either. That being said, there are tons of resources on the net as well as two regular Python coding meetups every week here in the DC metro area. I know the satisfaction I can achieve in learning to code (and this is in line with and beyond the pish to get “everyone learning how to code” in the US these days). I’m a techie, a builder, and a creator….coding, I know, is for me. Wish me consistency and good fortune in this journey.

Hope all are well. I’m taking a break from watching the SB, it’s half time (Go Seahawks!). I’m starting another edition to a the series, Chronicles of A Remix, that I began back in 2011 when constructing a remix along with Bill Cammack from NYC. This time, I was invited to try remixing a track given to me by a DJ and music producer in Baltimore, MD. After view some of my Instagram videos, he noticed I use Logic and happen to have a track he was working on in Logic. He decided to “gift” me the track to play with. After getting the stems and the Logic project from him. I set out to regroove this. The downside was that the Logic project he sent to me is in Logic X. I still use Logic 9 so I couldn’t open it to hear what the original track sounds like. Actually that’s not a bad thing because the key to moving forward is one piece of information – BPM (beats per minute) or teemp of the track. Once I got that from him I was golden. Below is a short video basically summarizing what I said above. Stay tuned for subsequent installments.

9:24 pm… In studio checking out one of the remixes just sent to me for the EP. As I thought, stellar work, and the vibe is exactly what I expected. I’m looking forward to dropping this project as soon as possible. I’m equally excited to have an artist from the Netherlands remixing one of my tracks from the Halcyon Sky release. It remains to be seen as to whether his track will make this EP, based on his daily schedule and my predicted drop date but either way, you will be hearing it in the future. It marks the beginning of a collaborative effort between him and me, so stay tuned throughout the year for some tracks by us.

I’ve received some rough mixes from the two other artists who’ll be featured on this project and I’m definitely feeling the flow of both tracks. Music composition and the technology of the internet, a beautiful thing… :). Back to work on mine.

Happy 2015. I hope the start of the new year finds you well and vice versa. As predicted, the start of 2015 has jumped off, music production-wise, as expected. Most of you know, the debut release by AfterSix Productions (Dan and I) What Love Is, is available on Bandcamp, another CD recording project for the band I play in, Divine Intervention, is underway, I’m tightening up some tracks for a show that will be “airing” on FB this quarter, along with a few other things. This post, obviously, as about the upcoming release: Halcyon Sky – The Regrooves EP.

This morning I had a great conversation with one of the remixers about the status of the remix he’s working on for the project. He began to tell me about how this opportunity really stretched his ability as a producer, made him realize the criticality of how he sees his work, wanting to make sure the vibe of the track fit the essence of the project, etc. These things were not foreign to me at all because I’ve often had the same thoughts when produce music to be used in other capacity, let alone just listened to and hopefully enjoyed by the masses.

Within the discussion I had learned the track was already delivered to me on New Year’s Eve, but I hadn’t checked my email to know it was even there. I shared that a big aspect of releasing Halcyon Sky was to meet my own deadline and achieve the goal or releasing the product as planned. The remixer also shared that it was a driving factor in getting it to me when he did but like all conscientious artists, he is very critical of his work. I asked him if he wanted more time to submit a new track. He accepted but asked me to listen to what he had submitted first. I assured him I would, but that I was certain I’d like it because of the time I took to listen to all this particular artist had shared on IG videos, YouTube videos in terms of music snippets he’s composed. In addition, his posts showed his passion for creating music in the genre he likes most – all that played a part in me choosing him for the project.

Thirteen hours later, I finally remembered to check the mail for the track and give it a listen. As I thought…I was 100% spot on. I’m feelin’ the vibe of this track and cant wait to release it on the project. In case you’re reading this bruh….much thanks (I know you got my text message already! ha!)

Sunday night, 9:43pm. As usual, where did the weekend go? It seems like a long minute since I posted. This is probably do to a simple necessity of replacing a dying hard drive in my studio computer. What’s the correlation to not posting? The correlation (reasoning, whatever) is due to the fact that not only did I get it replaced (on Black Friday no doubt), but had to spend day after day reinstalling not just the OS software, but music production software I mostly had backed up to DVD, or frim the original DVD. In 2014, as in other applications of software, many installs are done from the cloud and with a not so spiffy wireless connection, the entire process became too tedious. In addition, add another long desired unit to the production arsenal (one that also need software installation and updates from the cloud), the Maschine Mk2, and time to at least play with it, and there you have about three weeks of time taken up.

So, what’s the deal with the Regrooves EP? I’ve heard one of the remixes that will appear on the project and I *like it*. The concept for the remix I’m providing actually (finally) came to me today (why great inspiration always finds me in the shower is how is for another story, another time!)

As mentioned in an earlier post, this will be a five track EP and the remixer artists I’ve chosen to participate have already released their own tracks, so from what I’ve heared them release, I’ll looking forward to manifestation of their interpretations on the tracks I’ve assigned to them

I’ve reached what I call Phase 3 of this project and am glad to present unto you news on the development of Halcyon Sky – The Regrooves EP. This four track EP will be what is known commonly as remixes of tracks I’ve chosen from the project. Some of you have heard the remixes I’ve done over years: Philip Clark’s “Granted (the Groove 7 3am Eternal Mix) “, Mary Mary’s “Walkin” (Mr. Fresh/Bill C. Regroove), The Most Impossible Plan (the groove 7 outerbanks edit), and a few others.

I’m excited about this EP because I’ve got three other remixers on the project – Todd (The Big La) Kelley, Netm8ker, and Upright. They have their own fluid, nice moves in their respective music productions that I’m sure will bring stellar touch to this release.

Last night, or should I say yesterday, was a long 12-hour stint at work, so I decided to go into work a little later to, just in time to make a 10am team meeting. I’m transcribing this post from paper at which time was written while sitting in a local Starbucks.

Now that the EP is released, I’m still thankful for all the positive feedback I’ve received since the release date. It was nice to see some producers in a FB producers forum I frequent saying how much they’ve enjoyed the EP. That said, I’m definitely realizing that the work ahead (in terms of promoting and marketing it in the most effective manner) is far from done.

I’ve developed a social media and marketing strategy, which I had my publicist review last week. At the moment, in appears to have the underpinnings of a solid plan, so I’m going all out for it. While the net provides a seemingly endless reach in terms of audience, the work required to reach that expanse is directly proportional to that expanse.I have the beginnings of a database comprising local, nationwide and global contacts in different media formats (print, web, college radio, podcasters, etc). so it’s definitely time to get the ball rolling.

Phase 2 is the completion of the bonus track, which I have incidentally taken back to the drawing board. The original track is nice, but was regularly finding it difficult to progress through. I don’t know if my muse was purposefully absent or what, but I came to the realization that the song is much better for a release like Soulosophy, my contemporary smooth jazz project, currently in the planning stages.

Phase 3 is the project remixes. I don’t intend to remix every track in the project but definitely rease at least three remixes. Stay tuned on more of that next year.

Anyway time to head off to bed. An eight hour day is standard, but today was a long one too. Nevertheless, I’m grateful for a job.

Greetings listeners, welcome to another edition of The Sunday Soundtrack. It’s always good to be back. I’m sitting in Starbucks as I type this post in preparation for what you are probably listening to as you read this. The image is perfect for the feel of the day outdoors. I was having a text chat with my publicist about rainy overcast days versus sunny ones and how they some stir up the creativity in me. I enjoy them and think the have a place along with sunny days. Whether it be rainy, sunny, or in between, I hope you’re enjoying it.

Today’s podcast playlist brings a number of new tracks, mixed in with some favorites. In particular, there are two tracks from some fellow friends that are also chillout/downtempo/artists as well as gifted musicians and bandleaders. I’ll elaborate on a bit more on the tracks “Radio Format” and “The Dreams We Dream” in the podcast. For the first time (if memory serves me correctly), an urban contemporary track finds its way into the playlist. The very popular track, The Worst, by Jhene Aiko. This is the instrumental version, which I’ll be talking more about in the podcast with regards to why I chose it.

I hope this post finds you well and in good spirits. First off, I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank you again for all the positive support on my EP, I definitely appreciate it.

Now that it’s out there, it’s time for Phase 2 – marketing. I have (with the help of my PR firm, Tigerlily Communications, a database of internet and college-based radio stations I hope to submit the EP to for airplay, a long with some other activities that will be rolling into place over the next few months. Thanks to Felicia Hodges for the great work, I highly recommend her for your PR needs.

Currently, I’m in the midst of getting the bonus track completed. The accompanying video is done. As for the music, arrangement is completed, guitar is currently being recorded, then bass, mixing and voila…the trick is done. I’m glad to give this exclusive bonus track to all those who donated monetary support for the EP, thanks again.

On the social media front – for my Twitter, IG, and Vine users – I’ve created three accounts for my production entity, SFTF Productions. Songs From The Future (SFTF) is an entity I came up with in the early 2000s, an entity which is finally coming into fruition. I’d appreciate if you follow me at those accounts, should you want updates on all things I’m doing musically….there’s a lot line up for sure. that said, click on the links below:

The EP is available here for free download/name your price. I hope you enjoy it either way.

Lastly, big shout out and thanks to my podcasting brother AND geek, Darrenkeith Wyatt, host of the excellent podcast, My Love For Music. He featured the title track of my EP in his latest podcast that just dropped this past weekend. You can find it here.

That’s about it for now, I have as many zzzzz to catch as I can before that alarm goes off…

Greetings all…hope u are enjoying your Saturday. In the last post, I was going on about a roster of 24 musicians (25 including myself) that I thought could participate on this project. After giving it much thought, especially in relationship to the approach and final release of the Halcyon Sky EP, I decided to take the “walk before you can run” approach. Gone is the idea of that many musicians participating for a sophomore project. I’m definitely not ready to book and pay for studio time when the project can very well be done between my studio and my partner’s studio.

That being said, I have one solid tune already given to me to review by a long time friend and smooth jazz keyboardists with four (at least) CDs under his belt. With the roster being significantly smaller and the musician commitments I have thus far, yeah, we can rock this. Next step, song completion assessments. More about that in the next post.

Before I forget, for those of you that have been following my tweets on my personal Twitter account, @mrfresh, regarding my musical endeavors, I’ve decided to consolidate all those under one new Twitter ID, SFTF Productions, you can follow me there. I’d highly appreciate it. Thanks!